13:03 24 June 2013
President Jacob Zuma has said that Nelson Mandela is in a critical condition in hospital.
The news came over the weekend – on Sunday, 23rd June, 2013 – following Mr. Zuma reportedly paying a visit to Mr. Mandela in hospital. It is believed that Mr. Zuma found the information out.
Mr. Zuma explained that the medical experts said they are carrying out everything required in order to make Mr. Mandela comfortable in hospital.
President Jacob Zuma said: “All of us in the country should accept the fact that Madiba [Nelson Mandela's clan name] is now old. As he ages, his health will... trouble him and I think what we need to do as a country is to pray for him.”
Mr. Mandela, who is 94 years old, was admitted to hospital in Pretoria, South Africa, earlier this month, and this is understood to have been due to a lung infection.
He has been to hospital four times since the end of last year.
Mr. Mandela became the first black president of South Africa. He was elected as President in 1994.
The former leader has been a Nobel Peace Prize winner.
Mr. Mandela has not been in the public eye much since he entered into retirement.